TPE is a safe procedure, but side effects can occur. Due to a needle being in place for several hours, discomfort, bleeding, bruising, nerve irritation/injury, or infection at the site may occur. There is also the possibility of temporary tingling of the lips and/or fingers, chills, stomach or muscle cramps, anxiety, nausea/vomiting, or on rare occasions seizures. Due to the removal of plasma and replacement with other fluids (saline) and proteins (albumin), patients may experience fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.